October 2013 by City of Schertz

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EDITOR’Z LETTER By Chuck McCollough Editor

My parents were part of the “Greatest Generation” - symbolized mainly as young people who grew up in the Depression and then helped win World War II. Mom and Dad met and married in the Navy - their wedding photos show both in uniforms - she the pretty Wave and he the lanky lad in a snappy sailor suit. I was reminded of them when looking over our stories for this month’s magazine that includes the topics of WWII and young people who excel. Schertz area writer and military history buff Stan Leland writes about his experience as a WWII re-enactor at The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg.

Then turn to Schertz native James King - a walk-on player for the Division I Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi Islanders men’s basketball team. He showed strong leadership skills and was voted captain by his teammates. Expect to see his name in the sports news often going forward. Move from the roar of the basketball crowd to the roar of engines with the story of Anna George, a Schertz girl who loves competing in motocross races - a sport dominated by young men. Anna, 12, may be one of the most colorful middle schoolers you will ever meet. How colorful? Read the story and find out.

Five to six times a year the Pacific Combat Zone “living history” section of the museum brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of combat in the Pacific. The story and photos will grab you.

Next, check out the tale of a growing green business with a blue name. Bluebonnet Hydroponics is grabbing attention in a quiet corner of Schertz off WareSeguin Road. Transplanted Canadians Emile and Shirley Olivier are growing top quality produce using time-tested and researched techniques.

Next look for several stories on local young people doing great things in sports. Read about the Schertz Lions Futball Club (FC) 96 Lady Lions Red Soccer Team. The 18 young women on the team had a dream season playing against other soccer clubs at regional and state and national levels before jetting “across the pond” to England and making lifelong memories at the Keele International Cup, held at Keele University in Staffordshire, England. What happened? Read the story and find out.

contentz FEATUREZ WWII Re-Enactors

DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ 9

UPDATEZ

VISIONZ / CHAMBER

COLUMNZ Green Biz

Motocross Racer Anna George

King Basketball

After reading this story, you will never look at a head of lettuce the same way.

VOTING GUIDE

WWII Re-Enactors

Look for news on the Fall Clean Up opportunity for Schertz residents and also get the latest election information for November voting.

Schertz Soccer Success

We also have photos of pumpkins and a reminder about fire safety in the run up to the holidays. All that and more in the October issue of Your Hometown Magazine - Schertz Magazine.

CIVIC NEWZ UPDATEZ

Calendar

COVER

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Motocross Racer Anna George

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OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

now! y t r a p holiday p fast. r u o y Book lling u i f e r a Dates

OCTOBER EVENTS Civic Center:

Oct. 15 – Schertz Chamber Luncheon Oct. 17 – Simonson Volunteer Awards Oct. 24 – Meet the Candidates Oct. 28 – TXDOT Open House/Public Meeting

Community Center: Jazzercise - M, W, TH, F various times Zumba - M, W, Th 6:00pm

1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5

(210) 619-1600

City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Jim Fowler Councilmember David Scagliola Councilmember George Antuna, Jr. Councilmember Cedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Sydney H. Verinder Councilmember

Executive Team John Kessel City Manager John Bierschwale Executive Director David J. Harris Executive Director Brian James Executive Director

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department David J. Harris Interim Director Linda Klepper Business Manager Chuck McCollough Editor Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Client Affairs Specialist Mary Spence Events Coordinator Graphic Design/Art Direction Souzamaphone Marketing, LLC Contributing Writers Chuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Jim Webb, Hillory Halbardier, Tom Lovett, Teresa H. Kelley, Stan Leland Contributing Photographers Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Mike Harris, Marc Bane, Michael Carpenter, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Diana Webb, Ross Dye,Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Catherine White, Elizabeth Leland, Rudy Ornelas, Stock Photography: fontsandphotos.com Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. The official publication of the City of Schertz promotes city, community, and business activities associated with the City. © City of Schertz, Texas The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619. Website is schertz.com and schertzmagazine.com

Talk Townz OF THE

OCTOBER 2013

Rosie The Riveter Brick For Veterans Memorial A brick honoring millions of American women nicknamed Rosie the Riveter because they worked mostly in defense plants making weapons of war during WWII will be placed in the Schertz Veterans Memorial Plaza under construction on Schertz Parkway. The brick was purchased by a member of the Veterans Memorial Plaza board of directors who wished to remain anonymous, said Ruth Tienor, another board member.

is shown in a WWII era picture where she worked at the Quantico Marine Air Station in Virginia. She is the mother of CMSgt. (ret) Ed Higgs, also a member of the Veterans Member Plaza board. The plaza is expected to be completed in early to mid-2014. For information on purchasing a brick or making a donation to the plaza, go to vetereansplaza.org.

In the adjacent photo, a real Rosie the Riveter named Alice Helm Edwards,

Art And Business Mix At Joint Chamber Mixer The Schertz Chamber of Commerce, Metrocom Chamber of Commerce and the Schertz Area Art Council joined forces for a fun night of art appreciation, business networking, wine and food tasting and all around collaboration during a mixer at the Schertz Civic Center August 29. Schertz CofC President Maggie Titterington and Metrocom CofC Chairman Scott Wayman, and SAAC President Whitney Weidner praised the joint effort to encourage business ties and art support. State Sen. Dr. Donna Campbell stopped by to check out the goings on.

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Schertz Magazine Seen Everywhere by Everyone? Seems Like! Schertz Magazine IS NOT a travel magazine; but it is a magazine that does a lot of traveling. If the magazine had a passport it would be stamped with the dozens and dozens and dozens of places the publication has been to with Schertz area residents. Schertz Magazine has been high up on mountains and volcanoes and deep down in caves. It has vacationed at Port A (Port Aransas for newcomers) and entertained readers in China.

Jintan, China

Jerry Rooks in Lake Tahoe

The spunky periodical that reflects the energy, fun, and excitement of its namesake city has become a “must take” item when traveling, according to its readers. “The attached photo is of my husband, Jerry Rooks. We have lived in beautiful Schertz for over 7 years now. Jerry went to Lake Tahoe this summer to celebrate his mother’s 80th birthday and of course, the first thing he packed for the trip was our Schertz Magazine!” said Stacey Rooks in a nice message.

Mark and Jason Taylor at Scout Jamboree in West Virginia

Mike Campos in Roswell, NM

So if you leave on vacation or a trip to some fun or exotic place without your Schertz Magazine -- well -- who knows what people will think. Enjoy this latest collection of places where your hometown, monthly magazine has been in previous months. 10

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Ernest Mechaca in Beverly Hills Phillip and Betty Bennett in Jamaica

Talk Townz OF THE

Bracken Pumpkin Patch Kicks Off Halloween Fun One of the largest Pumpkin Patches in South Texas is open from 9:00 AM to sundown through the end of October at Bracken United Methodist Church, located just east of FM 3009 on FM 2252. This is the 12th year for the fun-filled event that features thousands of pumpkins. Special displays of costumed scarecrows and fantasy characters are arranged for taking that perfect picture of your family amid the festival of fall colors. In the evenings and on weekends there are hayrides and special Pumpkin Patch Express Train rides for the children. During the mornings, school and special children’s groups from four counties celebrate a day at the Bracken Pumpkin Patch. They participate in special entertainment centers where they paint pumpkins, sing songs, hear stories, play games and everyone goes home with a special pumpkin. Pumpkins range from baseball size to monsters that will take two people to carry. There are decorated and painted pumpkins and colorful gourds of every size and description. Prices for

the pumpkins start as low as fifty cents. Everyone in the community is invited to come out and enjoy the Pumpkin Patch festivities. Dress children in Halloween costumes and take pictures of them enjoying their day in a wondrous setting of seemingly endless pumpkins.

is located at 20337 FM 2252 (Nacogdoches Road) , just a mile and a half northeast of the intersection at FM 3009. The Pumpkin Patch is about 5 ½ miles outside of Loop 1604 and Rolling Oaks Mall.

For more information or directions, please The Pumpkin Patchy will be open from 9:00 call Bracken UMC at 830-606-6717. AM until dusk seven days a week. The church

Agricultural Awareness Day

Run Local. Be Thankful.

As Thanksgiving approaches, thoughts of turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce begin to remind us of the calories we will consume during the holidays and of the new years resolution made and forgotten earlier this year. Just in time to keep you on the right track, the City of Schertz and Students from Samuel Clemens and Byron Steele High the non-profit Ags for Orphans, are partnering to bring you the first Schertz Turkey Schools will endeavor to raise community awareness on Trot 5K Run and Kids Run. Before the turkey is carved and the rolls are buttered, the importance of agriculture. Admission is FREE. The Schertz Turkey Trot is an annual, community sponsored charity event d e s i g n e d fcome o r a l l a g eget s a n d your l e v e l s o f metabolism f i t n e s s . T h i s w i l l b e going. T h e C i t y o fThe S c h e r t zrun ’s will be Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, first Thanksgiving Day event, and will feature a run race 5k and Kid’s Fun Run. November 28; Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St. Contact Cibolo Creek FFA at 210.945.6575 (Clemens) or 210.619.4037 (Steele). Thanksgiving Day - November 28 t h , 2013 @ 7:45am Join SCUCISD and Cibolo Creek FFA for the 1st Annual Agricultural Awareness Day Saturday, October 19, 2013; 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM; Toby Connor Ag Complex, 541 Schlather Lane, Cibolo.

Run local. Be Thankful.

Pickrell Park - 200 Aero Schertz, Texas SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM 78154 OCTOBER 2013 R egister to run & volunteer: w w w .sch ertzturkeytro t.co m

Ph.(713) 816-7535 info @ agsfo ro rphans.o rg

Scrabble

Not Your Grandmother’s Game Forty-two word enthusiasts charged up the “spelling memory” part of their brains and dove into a Scrabble tournament at the Schertz Fairfield Inn & Suites August 31 and September 1 of the Labor Day Weekend. Visitors came from across Texas and as far away as Oklahoma City to play, said Nancy Scott, a local participant and tournament organizer. The tournament was directed by Matt Dewaelsche, a San Antonio librarian, and Caesar Jaramillio of Seagraves Texas. All three have more than 25 years experience in tournament play and have won various first place finishes throughout Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arizona. Scott also won the Western Canadian Championship in 2001. Players were divided into divisions according to the rating sys-

TA Sanders, Nancy Scott, Mariah Smith join other competitors at tournament held at Civic Center. tem established by the National Association of Scrabble Players. Dallas businessman Chris Cree won the $1,000 first place prize.

in Las Vegas.” More than 500 people competed in that tournament, which had a grand prize of $10,000.

Scott said: “The word game has gained in popularity due to these local events. Most of the players at this Schertz event competed in the National Scrabble in July

Scrabble was invented in the 1930’s by unemployed architect Alfred Butts. Some 150 million Scrabble board games have been sold and some two million a year

are sold in North America, Scott noted. The local Scrabble club meets the First Sunday of each month at the Schertz Library. For more information contact Nancy Scott at NScott3@aol.com.

Wine & Dine

Encanto starts its Wine Dinner Table Culinary Tours Every Thursday night, Executive Chef George Ojeda develops world-class food & wine pairings, drawing culinary inspiration from all around the world and infusing Mexican base flavors with classic French techniques, resulting in an exciting and unique experience. Every month a particular region is featured, either from within the United States or from abroad. Oregon, and specifically wines from the Willamette valley, was the Augusts’ feature and wines from Spain were September’s. Check Encanto’s Facebook to keep you up to date with the most recent Chef’s Wine Dinner Table: www.facebook. com/encantogrill. To make reservations for the event call 210-888-2753. Encanto is located at 6032 FM 3009 in Schertz. 12

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Talk Townz OF THE

Schertz Senior Center Gala Goes Hollywood The Schertz Area Senior Center held its first ever Gala Event fundraiser on August 16 at the Schertz Civic Center. Thanks to the many sponsors, 320 participants, and donors, the Gala Event resulted in over $18,200 after expenses being raised for our Senior Citizens. The theme of the evening was “Lights…Camera…Action!” All of the diamond level sponsors and table sponsors had their ‘stars’ featured on the red carpet entrance. The evening’s activities included hors d’oeuvres and drinks, followed by a lovely Oscar Chicken Dinner provided by Abel’s Diner. The Oh So Good Band performed three different sets of lively entertainment and a great variety of music that many in the audience chose to dance to time and time again. David Knox, Principal of Corbett Jr. High School, spoke on the importance of the Senior Center and shared memories of his brother, Murray, and his experiences with the Senior Center. The evening included a silent auction, a raffle and many door prizes. Pete Partington of the Garden Ridge Lions Club conducted the live auction. The high-

A large crowd enjoys the elegant gala atmosphere including food, drink and entertainment. light of the live auction was a San Antonio Spurs quilt made by two ladies at the Senior Center. Excitement electrified the room as the bidding went over the $1,000 mark, and finally sold for $1,100. Thanks to the City of Schertz and the City of Selma for their overwhelming support in sponsorship, participation, and in their generosity at the event. Because this event was sold out, we encourage you to make your plans now to attend the 2nd Annual Gala Dinner and Dance to be held on Friday, August 8, 2014 at the Schertz Civic Center.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Amid the 100 degree temperatures, back-to-school shopping, and high school football, there are small signs the holidays are fast approaching. And while Halloween and Thanksgiving are yet to be celebrated, it’s not too early to begin your holiday planning. Join the City of Schertz for the annual Festival of Angels event, Friday December 6 and Saturday, December 7. A lighted, night parade; local entertainment; Santa; craft show and snow are part of the twoday celebration. Information is available at www.visitschertz.com.

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK FOR YOU! OCTOBER EVENTS Every story has a bead™

UNIQUE EVENT!!

Friday, October 4th and Saturday, October 5th We will have a HUGE selection of beautiful

UNIQUE BEADS AND UNIVERSAL UNIQUE BEADS!

Best Friendz!

824 Main Street | Schertz,TX 78154 | 210-231-0403 Open Monday - Friday 10AM-6PM | Saturday 10AM-5PM

EVERY Monday evening and open to the Public– Schertz Chamber Toastmasters. Meeting begins at 7pm at the Comfort Inn and Suites - 15771 IH 35 North, Selma, TX 78154. Contact David Smith, 210-551-7656 or Jan King 210-846-9061 for more information.

EVERY Tuesday and Thursday – Get Fit with

SCOC! For Chamber Members – 5:30-6:30pm - Meets at the Small Pavilion at Pickrell Park. Call for more information.

October 15th Chamber Luncheon – @ Schertz Civic Center @11:30am – 1pm. RSVP by October 8th.

October 17th Chamber Mixer – Hosted

by Schertz Parkway Physical Therapy @ 392 Schertz Parkway – 5:30 – 7:00 pm.

October 23rd - Biz Ed (Business Education Class)– 7:30am – 9am at the Schertz YMCA. Free to Chamber members, Non Members $10.

Experience what the Schertz Chamber of Commerce can do for you! Unique networking opportunities, business education, local and state advocacy and more! Call us at 210-566-9000 or come by and visit at 1730 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. Help us “Build a Better Tomorrow”.

presented by

Frost Bank

$200 Cash Ball Drop! Raffle & Prizes!

and SCHERTZ BANK & TRUST

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2 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wateringâ&#x20AC;? Holes! $100 Putting Contest!

$80

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Includes:

Green Fees, Cart, Range Balls, Lunch & Burger Bar Dinner

For more information, call us at 210-566-9000, or download form at schertzchamber.org â&#x20AC;&#x153;Special Eventsâ&#x20AC;?

Thank you Sponsors!

Supporting Sponsors:

Talk Townz OF THE

Trunk-Or-Treat Offers Safe Halloween The City of Schertz, area businesses, and community organizations are sponsoring Trunk-orTreat - a safe Trick or Treat event from 6:00-8:00 PM, Halloween night, October 31 at Pickrell Park, 703 Oak Street. Trunk-Or-Treat is a fun and family-oriented event where candy is handed out from the trunks of Public Safety vehicles and others. Little ones in costumes will get a special kick out of the spooky event. Organizations interested in participating in Truck-or-Treat should call Schertz Fire Rescue at 210-619-1300.

Halloween Safety Tips It’s once again that time of the year where ghost, ghouls, and goblins will be out and about enjoying Halloween Trick or Treating. Parents are asked to spend a few minutes explaining some guidelines for children to follow so that they can enjoy a safe and happy Halloween. •

•

Help your child find or make a costume that will be safe, fire proof and not obscure the child’s vision and carry a flashlight. Ensure that any props the child might be carrying does not have any sharp edges or points. Teach the child basic safety tips such as do not enter the home of a stranger or accept rides/get into a vehicle of a stranger. An adult or older sibling should always

accompany children, especially younger children. •

•

Plan a set route and ensure that your child knows to follow that route, do not cut through alleys, empty lots or fields. Instruct your child to not eat any treat until it has been checked out by a parent. If possible parents and children should walk in a group and have a parent carry a flashlight.

•

If your child is older and going Trick-or-Treating on their own make sure you know their route and the location of any parties they may attend. Set a time in which the child should be home. Teach your child that tricks may not be so funny and may cause damage to others property. Children should not run in and around parked cars or through others yards. Make

sure to cross the street at designated points. Remember you may see a car but the driver may not see you, always use caution when crossing a street. •

Parents inspect all treats before allowing your child to eat them.

•

Above all make sure a responsible adult or older teenager is present to supervise the child’s night of fun.

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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FEATUREZ

Green Biz

with Blue Name By Kari Bridges

Down a narrow dirt road off Ware-Seguin Road, within the southern city limits of the City of Schertz off FM 1518, sits a small family business on two-and-a-half acres known as Bluebonnet Hydroponic Produce, LLC. The company has developed a strong reputation over the years of providing their customers with some of the best produce Mother Nature has to offer. 20

In 2000, Emile and Shirley Olivier, originally French-Canadians from Ontario, decided to settle down in the quiet community of Schertz where they could put into practice the hydroponic farming techniques they had spent many years researching. Over the years, this small family owned business has dedicated itself to supplying top-quality hydroponically grown produce to South Texas grocers and restaurants. Today, Bluebonnet consists of 14 greenhouses in Schertz and another 13 greenhouses in Marion with a total of 15 full-time employees. The 24-hour supervised and monitored property is truly a

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

family business. Each of the family members brings unique and important experience in operating a family business and often spends many hours working sideby-side to keep the business successfully running smoothly. After working at Sysco Foods for nearly 17 years, owner David Anderson brought his experience in sales and marketing to the business and has been there full-time for the past 8 years. His wife, Catherine, the Olivierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, has been at the farm for the past 9 years running the day-to-day operations. Their son, Joshua, is their assistant manager and has a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy in Austin and

adds the “chef’s touch” to all of their products. Their daughter, Amanda, also an assistant manager, is using her business degree from St. Mary’s University to help streamline the business side of the operation. Both of these next generation “farmers” continue to add their personal touches that will ensure the uniqueness of their business. Hydroponics comes from the Latin term meaning “working water.” It describes the science of growing plants in a controlled nutrientrich, water-based solution rather than in soil. The benefits of growing hydroponically include: complete environmental control; the elimination of chemical pesticides and herbicides; water efficiency; reduced land surface usage and an increase of the quality of the produce that is grown. This type of farming can be used in areas with poor soil conditions and being locally produced, it can greatly reduce the cost of shipping and ensure a higher degree of freshness to the end-user. “Hydroponics has been around for centuries but with the technology rapidly expanding in the last 25 years, it has grown exponentially. We use an environmental control system that maintains the greenhouse air and water temperatures, air movement and water nutrient and pH levels. Our re-circulating water supply is pumped through PVC tubing that continuously provide the plants with the same minerals that are naturally found in rich soil,” Anderson said. All of their produce are germinated in a separate germinating area of the greenhouse from topquality seeds purchased from Johnny’s Seed Company in Ohio and placed under special lighting to encourage growth. Once the seeds have germinated to a viable

height, the young plants are then transplanted to the PVC tubing and placed into the greenhouses. After that they are monitored using the most up-to-date controls to feed the plants, which are then sold “still living” to the retail and food service industry throughout San Antonio, Austin and Houston. “We sell most of our live produce to mostly high-end hotels, white tablecloth restaurants, caterers and country clubs in our market area because the freshness and quality of the product is the best around,” Anderson said. “You will also find our lettuces and herbs in large grocery store chains such as HEB, Whole Foods and Krogers that we deliver almost daily. Unfortunately, you won’t find us at your local Farmer’s Market mainly because all of our product is sold at the wholesale level and we do not sell directly to the public,” he said. Bluebonnet Hydroponic Farms grows a large variety of produce each week including about 25 different varieties of lettuce, 30 types of micro greens and several varieties of herbs such as basil, arugula and watercress to keep up with demand throughout the year. Each week they sell approximately 200 cases of live mixed greens that is used by chefs all around South and Central Texas. Other items such as zucchini squash blossoms, heirloom tomatoes and edible flowers are grown only during the cooler times of the year. According to Anderson, in one year they will produce and sell approximately 100,000 pounds of lettuce and around 50,000 cases (12 live plants each) of basil. The popularity of their basil to area chefs and retail consumers represents about 65% of their total sales. “The basil has been absolutely

David and Catherine Anderson among the plants. phenomenal. HEB has asked us to do basil demonstrations at most all of their new store openings, and I have traveled all across Texas doing this,” said Anderson. Also, quality control is done consistently throughout the year by a few simple tests, Anderson said. “We are very dedicated to a high-quality product and service. I can usually taste if something is off – if the lettuce is bitter it could be the nutrient is a little off or too much sun or heat. Also, we get our water supply from the City of Schertz and we send off a water sample twice a year to a local water analysis company to ensure water purity and nutrient balance.” He added that they are a very clean facility — leaving only a small footprint on the plant and use no chemical fertilizers or pesticides on any plant. Instead they chose natural pest repellents such as garlic oil and ladybugs to handle any bugs that may damage their product. “We order approximately 12,000 ladybugs every three weeks or so from a supplier in the Pacific Northwest and occasionally use

beneficial insects such as wasps and praying mantises as a precaution against any unwanted visitors. If our beneficial insects are gone in a couple of days it’s because they don’t have a food source within the greenhouse and have to leave to look for food elsewhere,” Anderson said. Over the years, Bluebonnet has been visited by groups as far away as Western Europe and as close as Texas A&M and the local campus of the Culinary Institute of America to learn more about what hydroponics is and see first-hand what makes it a success. “It’s a learning experience for all of us and we put in long hours 7 days a week but we love what we do and our employees share in that as well. There is a pride in putting out the quality of product that we do and one that the customer appreciates. It’s always great when one of our customers opens a box of ‘living’ lettuce and there comes that ‘wow’ factor,” Anderson said. For more information visit www.bblettuce.com or call (210) 659-9300.

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

FEATUREZ

WHEN YOU THINK OF THE sport of motocross, you may see images of a dirt track, flying bikes, aggressive riders – but probably not a purple-haired preteen girl. Anna George is not your typical middle school athlete. While her peers learn to serve volleyballs or shoot free throws, Anna is out on the track practicing tight turns and jumps on her motorcycle. “It’s a sport with such passion and commitment. It’s just fun,” Anna said.

Long-Haired Motocross Dreams By Brittany Losey 22

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Anna George has been competing in motocross since age 4. At 12, she has participated in two national competitions and ranks among the elite of amateur racers. Last year, she placed 4th in the 9-11 age group in the South Central region and 12th at the national competition in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., at Loretta Lynn’s ranch. “To make it to Loretta Lynn’s is an achievement most kids will never see,” Anna’s dad, Joey, said. Anna has dedicated a great portion of her childhood to making her motocross dreams come true.

“Girls and guys on my level, they commit a lot...” -Anna George

Aside from her scheduled riding time several times a week, Anna works on strength and cardiovascular fitness consistently at home. “When she got to this level, we told her, if you want to do this, that’s fine, we’ll make the commitment,” her mother, Pam, said. “But you have to make the commitment, too. If you make anything less than a B you’re done. You have to work out 3-5 days a week, and that consists of 45 minutes to 1 hour of either the elliptical or stationary bike, or she’ll go out and run 3-4 miles. And then she has to do sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups.” “Girls and guys on my level, they commit a lot,” Anna said. “Pros will work out for hours a day just trying to get the championship.” Anna has four years and one more appearance at nationals (you need a total of three) before she can switch from amateur to professional racing, and she has every intention of making it. She has been racing for years, competing in at least one race a month, sometimes traveling as far as Tennessee or Mississippi for regional competitions. Mostly, she rides around Texas competing in Houston, Dallas, and

San Antonio and practices in the Austin/San Antonio area. “We’ll rent a trailer and go camping at tracks in Floresville, Austin, and Seguin,” Pam said. Motorcross is truly a family affair for the Georges. Everyone in the family – that includes Pam, Joey, Anna, Evan (11), and Sam (5) – will go out and ride for fun. In fact, it was Anna’s parents’ interest in motorcycles that first sparked her passion. “She probably doesn’t remember how she got started, but my husband did this when he was younger,” Pam explains. She goes on to tell that she never knew Joey to have a motorcycle, but she made a deal with him that he could get one if he stayed active duty and moved up to the next rank. He followed through, and they rode motorcycles together near their home in Colorado until they moved to Texas.

motorcycle and nobody ever rode it. For a year, nobody rode it. But one day she got on it and that was the end of that. She followed me everywhere through the track and her first race was in October,.” the mom said. The Georges are one of the few motocross families in the area, and Anna is the only one from Schertz to have made it to the national level. She has a few friends in the area who ride, and she stays connected with other motocross riders across the country through social media outlets, especially Twitter and Instagram. Nationals at Loretta Lynn’s is a great opportunity for connecting as well, aside from the competition aspect. “They make it fun,” Anna said. Although the camping situation is fairly primitive (you must win the “lottery” in order to get an electric hookup – 150 of 1,500 racers will win one), the Georges enjoy the family bonding experience. Pam notes that Anna’s brothers love the experience. “Evan was so excited last year, he was running up and down the bleachers yelling ‘Annie made it to nationals! Annie made it to nationals!’ He likes going, especially the bigger races – they

really do make it a family sport.” As Anna progresses in her motocross career she has many highlights and goals for the future. “I just want to win a couple of titles at Loretta’s – that’d be sweet – then go pro,” Anna said. In addition to her personal aspirations, Anna is passionate about the issue of gender equality within the sport. “Right now, the guys have eight races, the girls only have three. The girls don’t get as much local media [attention] as the boys, so there’s a women’s motocross petition going around to help the girls have more series and more media coverage.” Since motorcross has significantly fewer female participants, Anna will occasionally compete in mixed lower-level races. To flaunt her attitude to her competitors, Anna streaks her long blonde hair with purple, to match the rest of her gear. “The girl with the purple hair, that’s her thing,” Pam said. “When she was younger, she begged me to let her grow her hair out so it would fly out the back of her helmet – that way the boys would know a girl was beating them.”

“These guys were little then, so when we moved here it took me about two and a half seconds to look at him [Joey] and say ‘I will never ride a motorcycle on these streets.’ So we got rid of the motorcycles and got dirt bikes. Anna was 3 and Evan was 1. So we literally got a little tiny

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

King

FEATUREZ

From Walk On to Standout Player By Brittany Losey

SCHERTZ NATIVE JAMES King has taken both his athletic prowess and leadership ability to the Division I Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders men’s basketball team. This past season, he was voted captain by his teammates.

the team and great at helping other people out.” In addition to being an allaround team player, King is an

offensive asset as well – he currently holds the top three-point shooting percentage for the Islanders. King developed his passion for the game playing at Steele and on his AAU team. However, basketball was not his first love – soccer was his primary sport until around middle school. Then, he was offered an opportunity to compete overseas, but opted to stay home and give basketball a shot. “I actually didn’t start playing organized basketball until I was about 10 or 11,” King said. “I played a couple games when I was younger, but that’s it.”

“We were having leadership issues, so the team proposed a vote for who the new team captain would be,” King said. “I thought of nominating one of the my other teammates, but they all chose me.” This came as something of a surprise to the sophomore walk-on, who did not even make the team in his first tryout and ended up transferring. He came back the following year with the encouragement of other coaches, however, and started his season in the fall of 2011 with a new coaching staff. Success has followed him since as he has taken on formal and informal leadership roles on the team. “I never really wanted to recognize that I had that ability in me,” King said. “I think I could still work on it more, but I think I’m a great communicator with 24

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“It was in my nature to be around others with passion for the game as well,” King said. King continued his career at Steele and credits the basketball program to many of his successes now. Though he received offers to play at Texas Wesleyan University, he knew he wanted to try somewhere bigger, and through persistence, he was able to walk on at Texas A&M - Corpus Christi. King believes this experience to be more than just an athletic career, but a building block for his future. “Our coaches, they’re really big on more than just basketball – they’re trying to set us up for life,” King said. “They tell us when things are getting hard for you, push through it.” Overall, King is enthusiastic about his next two years with the Islanders basketball program. “We’re in a really good position,” King stated. “Everyone’s very talented.” For more information about Texas A&M Corpus Christi visit www.tamucc.edu

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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SPECIAL SECTION NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION

ADVISO DE ELECCION GENERAL

To the registered voters of the City of Schertz: Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., November 5, 2013, for voting in the general election to elect Councilmembers for Place 3, Place 4 and for Place 5.

A los votantes registrados de la Ciudad de Schertz: Se hace saber que las casillas electorales sitados abajo se abrirán desde las 7:00 am a 7:00 pm, 5 de noviembre de 2013 para votar en las elecciones generales para elegir a los concejales del Place 3, Place 4 y 5 Place.

Locations of Early Voting Polling Places: Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted as listed below:

Direcciones de las Casillas Electorales: La votación adelantada por comparecencia personal se llevará a cabo se enumeran a continuación:

Applications for ballot by mail shall be mailed to: Guadalupe County Early Voting Clerk, P.O. Box 1346, Seguin, Texas 781561346; Bexar County Early Voting Clerk, Jacque Callanen, 203 W. Nueva, Suite 3.61, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4045; or Comal County Early Voting Clerk, Julie Kassab, 178 E. Mill St. Suite 101, New Braunfels, Texas 78130. Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on October 25, 2013.

Las solicitudes para boletas que se votaran adelantada por correo deberan enviarse a: Condado de Guadalupe que temprano vota a oficinista, P. O. Box 1346, Seguin, Texas 78156-1346; Condado de Bexar que temprano vota a oficinista, Jacque Callanen, 203 W. Nueva, Suite 3.61, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4045; or Condado de Comal que temprano vota a oficinista, Julie Kassab, 178 E. Mill St. Suite 101, New Braunfels, Texas 78130. Las solicitudes para boletas que se votaran adelantada por correo deberan recibirse para el fin de las horas de negocio el 25 de Octubre, 2013.

Guadalupe County Location, Dates & Hours of Main Early Voting Polling Location (Lugar, Fechas y Horas de los Centros Principales de Votación para la Votación Anticipada) Guadalupe County:

SEGUIN ELECTIONS OFFICE 215 So. Milam St. Seguin, TX 78155

Monday, Oct. 21st through Friday, Oct. 25th, 2013 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013 – 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 – 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28th through Friday, Nov. 1st, 2013 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Guadalupe County:

Lunes, 21 de Oct. hasta el Viernes, 25 de Oct. de 2013 de 8:00 de la manana a las 5:00 de tarde Sabado, 26 de Oct., 2013 – de 7:00 de la manana a las 7:00 de la tarde Domingo, 27 de Oct., 2013 – de 1:00 de la tarde a las 6:00 de la tarde Lunes, 28 de Oct. hasta el Viernes, 1 de Nov. de 2013 de 7:00 de la manana a las 7:00 de tarde

Grace Memorial Church-3240 FM725-New Braunfels, TX New Braunfels Municipal Airport-2333 FM758-New Braunfels, TX Schertz Elections Office Annex-1101 Elbel Rd.-Schertz, TX New Berlin City Hall-9180 FM775-New Berlin, TX.

Monday, Oct. 21ST through Friday, Oct. 25th, 2013 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013 – 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 – 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28th through Friday, Nov. 1ST, 2013 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 26

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Bexar County Location, Dates & Hours of Main Early Voting Polling Location (Lugar, Fechas y Horas de los Centros Principales de Votación para la Votación Anticipada) Bexar County: BEXAR COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER 300 Dolorosa San Antonio, TX Monday, Oct. 21st through Friday, Oct. 25th, 2013 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 – 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28th through Friday, Nov. 1st, 2013 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lunes, 21 de Oct. hasta el Viernes, 25 de Oct. de 2013 de 8:00 de la manana a las 6:00 de tarde Sabado, 26 de Oct., 2013 – de 10:00 de la manana a las 6:00 de la tarde Domingo, 27 de Oct., 2013 – de 12:00 de la tarde a las 6:00 de la tarde Lunes, 28 de Oct. hasta el Viernes, 1 de Nov. de 2013 de 8:00 de la manana a las 8:00 de tarde

Bexar County: Bexar County Justice Center, 300 Dolorosa Brookhollow Library, 530 Heimer Road Castle Hills City Hall (SE Corner of Council Chambers) 209 Lemonwood Drive Claude Black Center, 2805 East Commerce Cody Library, 11441 Vance Jackson Collins Garden Library, 200 North Park

Henry A. Guerra, Jr. Library, 7978 W Military Drive

Olmos Park City Hall 120 West El Prado Drive

John Igo Library, 3330 Kyle Seale Parkway

Parman Library@Stone Oak, 20735 Wilderness Oak

Johnston Library, 6307 Sun Valley Drive

Shavano Park City Hall, (Council Chambers), 900 Saddletree Ct

Julia Yates Semmes Library @ Comanche Lookout Park, 15060 Judson Road

Las Palmas Library, 515 Castroville Road Converse Ed Kneupper Justice Center, 402 S. Leon Valley Conference Center, Seguin Road 6421 Evers Road Copernicus Community Center, 5003 Lord Lion’s Field, 2809 Broadway Rd. Maverick Library, 8700 Mystic Park East Central Isd Admin Building, 6634 New Mccreless Library, 1023 Ada Street Sulphur Springs Road Fair Oaks Ranch City Hall, (Council Chambers), 7286 Dietz Elkhorn

Memorial Library, 3222 Culebra

Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood

Northside Activity Center, 7001 Culebra

Mission Library, 100 Roosevelt Ave.

Monday, Oct. 21st through Friday, Oct. 25th, 2013 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 – 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28th through Friday, Nov. 1ST, 2013 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Somerset High School, 7650 South 1604 West, Somerset South Park Mall, 2310 S.W. Military Tobin Library @Oakwell, 4134 Harry Wurzbach Universal City – City Hall, 2150 Universal City Blvd. Windcrest Takas Park Civic Center, 9310 Jim Seal Dr. Wonderland Mall Of The Americas @ Crossroads, 4522 Fredericksburg

SPECIAL SECTION cont’d on page 28 OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

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Comal County

SPECIAL SECTION cont’d

Location, Dates & Hours of Main Early Voting Polling Location (Lugar, Fechas y Horas de los Centros Principales de Votación para la Votación Anticipada) MAIN LOCATION: (los Centros Principales)

LANDA OFFICES, 178 E.Mill St. Ste. 101, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78130

October 21-22, 2013 — 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. October 23, 2013 — 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. October 24, 2013 — 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. October 25, 2013 — 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. October 26, 2013 — 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 27, 2013 — 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. October 28-31, 2013 — 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. November 1, 2013 — 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

21-22 de Octubre de 2013 – 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. 23 de Octubre de 2013 – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 24 de Octubre de 2013 – 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. 25 de Octubre de 2013 – 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. 26 de Octubre de 2013 – 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. 27 de Octubre de 2013 – 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. 28-31 de Octubre de 2013 – 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. 1 de Noviembre de 2013 - 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Location, Dates & Hours of Temporary Branch Early Voting Polling Locations

(Lugar, Fechas y Horas de las Sucursales de los Centros temporal de Votación para la Votación Anticipada) Garden Ridge City Hall 9400 Municipal Parkway Garden Ridge, Texas 78266

October 21-22, 2013 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (21-22 de octubre de 2013 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Bulverde/Spring Branch Library 131 Bulverde Crossing Bulverde, Texas 78163 CRRC Community Center 125 Mabel Jones Dr. Canyon Lake, Texas 78133

October 24-25, 2013 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (24-25 de octubre de 2013 - 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

October 29-30, 2013 — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (29-30 de octubre de 2013 - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS TO VOTE Senate Bill 14 created a new requirement for voters to show photo identification when voting in person. Voters can no longer present their voter registration certificate, or other previously acceptable forms of identification that only showed name/address of the voter. Here is a list of the new identification requirements: 1. Texas Driver’s License issued by the Department of Public Safety (“DPS”) 2. Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS, 3. Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS, 4. Texas Concealed Handgun License issued by DPS, 5. United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph, 6. United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph, or 7. United States Passport

With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. For More Information on Exemptions go to VoteTexas.gov

Ahora tiene que proporcionar una de las siguientes formas de identificaci6n con foto cuando vota en persona. 1. Licencia de Conducir de Texas expedida por el Departam ento de Seguridad Publica (DPS, segun sus siglas en ingles) 2. Cedula de Identificaci6n Electoral de Texas expedida por DPS Ta1jeta de Identificaci6n Personal de Texas expedida por DPS 3. Licencia de Texas para Portar un Arma de Fuego Oculta expedida por DPS 4. Cedula de Identidad Militar de los Estados Unidos con fotografia de la persona 5. Certificado de Ciudadania Estadounidense con fotografia de la persona o 7. Pasaporte de los Estados Unidos

Con la excepci6n del certificado de ciudadania estadounidense, la identificaci6n debera estar vigente; si no la esta, debe haberse vencido hace 60 dias o menos en el memento de presentarla para calificar como votante en el sitio electoral. Para obtener mas informacion, vaya a www.VoteTexas.gov

Don’t forget to vote November 5! Guadalupe County

ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES

(UBICACIÓN DE LAS CASILLAS ELECTORALES EL DÍA DE ELECCIÓN) Guadalupe County: Precinct 303 Schertz Elections Office, 1101 Elbel Rd., Schertz 304 Schertz United Methodist Church, 3460 Roy Richard Dr., Schertz 305 Selma City Hall, 9375 Corporate Dr., Selma 306 Crosspoint Fellowship Church, 2600 Roy Richard Drive, Schertz 401 Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 212 N. Barnett St., Marion 402 Schertz Community Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz 403 Knights of Columbus Hall, 509 Schertz Pkwy., Schertz 404 Schertz Community Center North (formerly Northcliffe Fire Station), 3501 Morning Dr., Cibolo 409 Elaine S. Schlather Intermediate School, 230 Elaine S. Schlather Pkwy., Cibolo

Bexar County

ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES

(UBICACIÓN DE LAS CASILLAS ELECTORALES EL DÍA DE ELECCIÓN) Bexar County: Precinct 3105/3087/3103/3170/3183 4056/4100/4158 4144/4057/4058/4126 4079/4194 4081 4104 4164/4097/4105/4116

Fox Run Elementary, 6111 Fox Creek Ed Franz Elementary, 12301 Welcome Dr Universal City City Hall, 2150 Universal City Blvd Coronado Village Elementary, 213 Amistad Randolph AFB, Theater, 1 Washington Circle John H. Wood Jr. Middle School, 14800 Judson Rd. Olympia Elementary, 8439 Athenian

Comal County

ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACES

(UBICACIÓN DE LAS CASILLAS ELECTORALES EL DÍA DE ELECCIÓN) Comal County: Precinct 202 203 205 301

Peace Lutheran Church, 1147 S. Walnut, New Braunfels 78130 Freedom Fellowship Church, 410 Oak Run Point, New Braunfels Jay F. Feibelman Garden Ridge Community Center, 21340 FM 3009, Garden Ridge St. Paul Lutheran Chu5rch, 181 S. Santa Clara, New Braunfels 78130

***Listing subject to change. Check County Election website.*** www.co.comal.tx.us/Elections.htm http://elections.bexar.org/ www.co.guadalupe.tx.us/guadalupe2010/elections/

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FEATUREZ

A simulated combat area at the National Museum of the Pacific

Re-enactors Bring WWII History Alive By Stan Leland “LOCK AND LOAD!” SHOUTED the squad leader. I slid the clip of ammo into my M-1 rifle. What would it be like when we hit the beach? “Let’s go!” yelled the squad leader and we followed him running down the ramp of the landing craft. I reached the log sea wall and tried to locate the Japanese defenders. The roar of the battle Writer Stan Leland (far left) and sons (L-R) Ryan, Trevor and Michael Leland are re-enactors

made communication difficult. Suddenly the guys next to me started to go over the sea wall and I joined them in the assault. The Japanese machine gunner and two others were fiercely holding their ground against our attack. I crouched behind a low wall to provide covering fire. Smoke and explosions, men shouting, cannon fire, machine gun fire, wounded crying continued on page 32

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Re-enactors Bring WWII History Alive

continued from page 32 “Corpsman!” It was a sensory overload! Finally, the Japanese began to retreat. As I moved forward with the assault team, someone shouted “Flamethrower!” Seconds later I heard a whooshing sound followed by the blast of radiant heat as the stream of fire hit a concrete pillbox turning it into a mass of yellow flames and black smoke. As we reached our objective I was crouched in a trench looking for more Japanese to come charging out of the underbrush. The firing had stopped and two Marines were taking the Japanese flag down and raising the Stars and Stripes. Then I heard the applause of the crowd.

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The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg had just completed another intense re-enactment of combat on the Island of Tarawa during World War II. We “Marines” and the “Japanese” re-enactors lined up to pass in review for the spectators.

Five to six times a year the Pacific Combat Zone “living history” section of the museum brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of combat in the Pacific. Volunteers from all over the area gather to recreate the Marine experience during the war. This year marks the 23rd year the museum has been conducting the living history re-enactments. The Pacific Combat Zone is a unique three-acre indoor and outdoor exhibit area located 2 blocks east of the George Bush Wing of the Pacific War Museum. An easy five minute stroll from the main museum down Austin Street places you in a venue that offers visitors a deeper understanding of the cruel struggle that took place between Allied and Japanese forces on the islands of the Pacific. Guided tours start every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and lead visitors through various combat locations of the Pacific War. Tours for the Pacific Combat Zone start at the torpedo/bomber exhibit where visitors see an actual TBM aircraft, which is the type of plane flown by George

“Let’s go!”

yelled the squad leader...

H.W. Bush during the war. The exhibit shows what it would have looked like on the hangar deck of an aircraft carrier. The next stop is the only fully restored combat PT boat in the world. Displayed to look like a boat heading out on a night mission in the Pacific, you can almost hear the sounds of waves lapping against the dock. The third exhibit is a Quonset hut that shows what a field hospital would look like in a combat zone. The Spartan conditions look so strange considering the high-tech environment of medicine today. Last September, I decided to volunteer for the re-enactment. Having been a World War II buff all of my life and being around reenactors for many years, I wanted to see what it was like. I was told to report at 0700 to check out my uniform and equipment. Gunnery Sgt Jim Rice helped me get all my equipment: Dungaree trousers and coat, belt, T-shirt, boots, leggings, helmet, helmet cover and cartridge belt. Getting dressed was no problem until I got to the leggings. After struggling to get them on I could see why Marines discarded them as

soon as possible. Once in uniform we were assembled for a briefing on safety and the day’s schedule. We did a “walk through” of the battle and learned where and when we were to move. At various points guys were selected to be casualties that the Corpsman would come up to and simulate treatment

trak landing vehicle on display the Marines run down the ramp onto the battlefield defended by the Japanese. The battle moves from the left side of the crowd’s view to the high ground on the right side and takes about 5-6 minutes. Because of the noise, everyone -- including the volunteers-- is encouraged to wear ear protection.

Pacific War Museum. It brings to life the grainy black and white photos and newsreels of World War II.

Last year approximately 6,000 spectators saw the re-enactment. The crowd appreciates the show but there is a much more important response treasured by the museum and volunteers and that is what the World War II veterans in the audience think.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Living History re-enactment, contact the volunteer coordinator at the museum, Stephanie Manee, at (830) 9978600, ext 223. Volunteers must be physically fit and able to follow the disciplined instructions needed for a safe and intense combat simulation.

The Pacific Combat Zone is one of the unique treasures of the

When planning a visit to the Pacific War Museum, allow at least half a day to enjoy and absorb all the museum has to offer between the Pacific Combat zone and the main museum.

After two more practice runs we went to the armory to check out our weapons. Most of the program is dedicated to explaining the background of the war in the Pacific and then demonstrating each of the weapons with blank ammunition (except for the flamethrower since it is the only weapon using “live” ammunition). One of the favorite parts of the presentation involves a young volunteer from the audience. He/she is outfitted in the typical gear worn by a Marine going into combat. Seeing them weighed down with equipment gives a greater appreciation for actual Marines who fought in the stifling heat of the south Pacific. When the presentations are done the battle begins. Using the Am-

Stan Leland (far left) and his sons (l-r) Michael, Trevor and Ryan Leland are re-enactors.

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

FEATUREZ

YEARS OF SACRIFICE, DETERMINAtion, hard work and learning to work together as a team paid off for two Schertz Lions Futball Club (FC) teams (one girls and one boys) this past spring and summer. As the weather started to heat up in South Texas at the beginning of the spring soccer season, so did the Lions Futball Club (FC) 96 Lady Lions Red Soccer Team. This dynamic team of 18 dedicated young women had an amazing spring season playing against other soccer clubs in the region and state before spending an unforgettable summer competing at the national and international levels. After playing hard the entire spring season, this 96 girl’s team played against the most

skilled teams throughout the South Texas Region --- advancing to compete in the State Championship Tournament in Houston in May. They came out on top as only one of three South Texas Regional Teams that won the US Youth Soccer Region 3 President’s Cup in a two-day tournament on June 8th and 9th in Decatur, Ala. “After a two-day drive to Decatur, Ala., and sitting through opening ceremonies, the girls were going in to play their first game that evening as the underdog team not expected to win so they were relaxed and ready to play their best. The semi-finals and finals were the most emotional and exciting games because they were very close

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

games,” said Bryan Joyce, soccer dad and 96 Lady Lions team manager. The team’s coach, Peter Moore, who is also executive director of coaching for the Lions FC, has spent the past 3½ years working with the girls to prepare the team for the challenges they face on and off the field. “This is a team that grew from a below average one into a team that is now playing against the best possible. They encourage one another when winning, when losing -we have stayed together through thick and thin and wins and losses, and now we are showing the rewards of that. I have had the honor of coaching them and pushing them to a level that they all wanted to be at. We gel well together, we work hard together, we

Schertz Soccer Success Spreads Far And Wide By Kari Bridges

discuss the goals we have for one another and we do our best to achieve all the goals we put in front of us,” Moore said. The team kept their spirits high and the regional win advanced them to the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup held July 10th -14th in Auburndale, Fla. “At the National Cup in Florida, the 96 girls ended up 4th – of course we wanted better but 4th in the nation is an amazing achievement. This is a fantastic achievement for the girls and it’s amazing for a San Antonio team – nobody in San Antonio has accomplished what they have,” Moore said. “The girls are such a sight to watch; they have skills, passion and true love of the

game and each other. It is such an amazing year for them, but they have gone from winning few and far between to dominating the game of soccer,” said Tina Struxness, soccer mom and team manager for the 96 Lions Red Boys Team. Members of the 96 Lady Lions Red Team include: Rachel Gurinsky, Kelly Marshall, Brooke Shoffstall – Churchill H.S.; Danielle Struxness, Melody Wiley – Judson H.S.; Sydney Joyce, Kelcie McKinley, Amberly Wilborn – MacArthur H.S.; Lorin Burton, Keelan Day, Carly Hankins, Allison Crabbe, Niki Popa – Reagan H.S.; Kayla Nagle – Steele H.S.; Katelyn Fouse – Smithson Valley H.S.; Kallie Wagner – Trinity Christian Academy and Rachel Haffner – home school.

For the past 17 years, the Lions FC has been invited to participate in Britain’s Premier International Soccer Tournament, the prestigious Keele International Cup, held at Keele University in Staffordshire, England. As one of the top youth soccer tournaments in the world, many professional teams have scouts in attendance during this premier international soccer tournament. Two of the of the Lions FC upcoming high school senior teams – the 96 Lady Lions Red Team and the 96 Lions Red Team both had the opportunity to travel to England during a 13-day trip. This trip offered them more than an opportunity to play soccer against some of the best soccer teams in their age bracket in the world, it also offered them wonderful opportunities for continued on page 36

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Schertz Soccer Success Spreads Far and Wide

continued from page 35 friendly scrimmage games, coaching, stadium tours, sightseeing, cultural and educational experiences. This year’s Keele International Cup, which attracts some of the best upcoming talent, had over 450 teams from 24 different nations represented. The four-day tournament is played on 13 immaculate grass pitches and offers modern facilities. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of four games according to player’s age category and is officially sanctioned by the Football Association, UEFA and FIFA. “The 96 Lady Lions Red won first place in the Keele International Cup by beating a team from Wales that had six Welsh international teams players on the team in the finals,” Moore said. According to Karl Moore, director of coaching for the Lions FC and the coach for the past two years of the 96 Lions Red Boys Team, they have been together as a team for the past five years playing in the Division 1 category and won 2nd Place after competing in the final competition losing 2-1 to a team from England.

to go to England and watch the boys and girls play in the Keele Cup. The boys fought hard, held their heads high and represented the United States in a wonderful way. I am truly proud of each of the boys,” Struxness said. This is the third time that the Lions FC has won first place and the first time that they have won second place in the Keele International Cup Tournament. The first time was in 2009 with the 92 Lady Lions Red Team, second time was in 2012 with the 95 Boys White Team. “We grow each year and with winning the Keele Cup in 2012 and in 2013, the 97 teams that will compete in 2014 will a reputation to live up to when we land in England, Karl Moore said. The Lions FC is one of the largest soccer clubs in San Antonio. It offers a cubs program for children 4 - 6 years old, academy programs from ages 7 - 10 years old and select teams are available for U11 - U19 age soccer players. Their home fields are located at the Schertz Soccer Complex on Maske Road near FM 1518.

For more information, go to www.lionsfc.org or call (210) 744-7621.

“The boys’ level of confidence grew as the tournament progressed. They played four tournament games before reaching the final game where they lost to a Manchester team 1-0. They beat a Kenya team in semi-finals 1-0, three English teams and one Kenya team winning 2 and losing 2,” Moore said. “I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity

96 Lady Lions Red Soccer Team 36

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Civi cn ewz October 2013

Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12 By Fire Chief David Covington Change has been in the air these past weeks. Pleasant fall mornings and evenings and inbetween sometimes summer hot weather are a hallmark of South Texas this time of year. October brings fall colors, cooling temperatures, ghosts and goblins. But it also brings us a message of prevention. The week in which October 9 falls is the time we celebrate Fire Prevention Week across the nation. It started in 1922 and was meant to commemorate one of the most notorious fires in our history, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Rumor has it the fire started with the kick of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow, knocking over a lantern while being milked. Some 250 people died and 100,000 were left homeless in a fire that burned 17,400 buildings, which is about the size of Schertz. While the guilt of the cow is disputed to this day, there is no argument with the fact that there were actually two great fires that day. Besides the Great Chicago Fire, a wildland fire called the Peshtigo Fire erupted in north-

east Wisconsin. Still the largest wildland fire in American history, the Peshtigo Fire devoured 16 towns and 1.2 million acres and killed 1,152 people. Each October reminds us of how fragile we are when it comes to fire, and each year, Schertz Fire Rescue, like so many other fire departments across the country, will gear up for Fire Prevention Week by giving public talks and visiting schoolchildren to get the message out. This year the mes-

sage is: “Prevent Kitchen Fires.” More fires start in the kitchen than any other room in the house. Schertz Fire Rescue Department will focus on home fire safety and protecting families. For more information on Fire Prevention Week, go to www.fpw.org.

Schertz Bank & Trust Honors First Responders on 9-11 In adjacent photo, Schertz Bank & Trust President and CEO Mark Sunderman (left) and Schertz Police Chief Mike Hansen hold baskets filled with food and other goodies that the bank presented to the Schertz Police Department, Fire and Rescue Department (both stations) and Schertz EMS on the 12th anniversary of 9-11.

Each of bank’s locations- two in Schertz and one each in Seguin, Kirby and San Marcos – made presentations to the local First Responders “as part of our acknowledgement and appreciation of their service to our community and to celebrate our 100th Anniversary,” a bank official said.

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Civicn ews City Council OK’s FY 2013-14 Budget & Tax Rate Schertz City Council on September 3rd adopted on second and final reading the City’s FY 2013-14 All Funds Budget of $62,033,328, which is greater than the FY 2012-13 All Funds Budget of $58,401,439. Some of the budget highlights for new fiscal year are: an elevated water tank in southern Schertz, continued implementation of the Schertz Master Communication Plan, improvements to the Council Chamber, a Vacuum & Router Truck for Public Works, and replacement of water lines in the Northcliffe subdivision. Council also passed on second and final reading the FY 2013-14 tax rate of 0.4974 per $100 of valuation, a drop from the FY 2012-13 rate of 0.4999. The new tax rate, while a decrease, will still allow the City to put about $540,000 into our reserves. The new budget and tax rate took effect October 1st, 2013. Mayor Michael Carpenter and City Manager John Kessel congratulated the City Council, City Staff and especially residents - - who provided valuable feedback – for crafting a successful FY 2013-14 budget and tax rate. For more information go Schertz.com.

City Council Ballot Information The following City Council candidates will appear on the City of Schertz election ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Election: Place 3 Daryl John Bert Crawford Place 4 Grumpy Azzoz Cedric Edwards Place 5 Mathew Duke Richard Dziewit

HEB Serves Schertz Firefighters On 9-11Anniversary In the photo above, Schertz HEB employees serve breakfast tacos to two Schertz Fire Rescue firefighters at the main fire station on the 12th anniversary of 9-11. Jennifer Lloyd with HEB No. 26 in Schertz said all HEBs are dropping off food to fire stations they have adopted as part of Helping Heroes, a program established in 2005. “HEB No. 26 adopted fire stations in Schertz, Cibolo and Selma. We dropped off food for breakfast and lunch so they won’t have to buy food,” Lloyd said of the program to honor fire fighters and other public safety personnel on the anniversary of 9-11.

For more information go to Schertz.com

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Run local. Be Thankful. The Schertz Turkey Trot is an annual, community sponsored charity event designed for all ages and levels of fitness. This will be The City of Schertzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Thanksgiving Day event, and will feature a run race 5k and Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fun Run.

Thanksgiving Day - November 28 t h , 2013 @ 7:45am Pickrell Park - 200 Aero Schertz, Texas 78154 R egister to run & volunteer: w w w .schertzturkeytro t.co m

Ph.(713) 816-7535 info @ agsfo ro rphans.o rg

Civicn ews

Clemens School Zone Hours Extended Drivers near Clemens High School need keep “20 mph’’ in mind all of the regular school day. New school zone hours near Clemens now run from 7:00 AM to to 4:30 p.m. because the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal School Independent School District added more lunch periods. The City of Schertz recently put up new signs showing the new school zone hours on Elbel Road and Schertz Parkway which run by Clemens. SCUC ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Gibson said the extended lunch hours are a reflection of tremendous growth in the district. “We appreciated the City of Schertz working with us on the school zone hours at Clemens High School. We had to expand lunch hours at the school to accommodate higher enrollment. The additional lunch periods mean that juniors and seniors - in good stand with discipline, attendance and grades so they can who have off campus privileges may be driving around Clemens later in the afternoon,” the superintendent said.

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

Tuesday, 1

Wednesday, 23

Tuesday, 8

Thursday, 24

Wednesday, 9

Monday, 28

City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chamber

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

Economic Development Corporation, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM - Council Chambers

Monday, 14

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM Bob Andrews Room

City Holiday Columbus Day (ofﬁces closed)

Board of Adjustments, 6:00 PM – Council Chambers

Tuesday, 15

Tuesday, 29

City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

Tuesday, 22

***Meeting locations may change, please visit schertz.com for conﬁrmation.***

City Council, 6:00 PM—Council Chambers

CITY CALENDARZ

October 2013

OFFICIAL FINE PRINT Subscriptions to Schertz Magazine are free for each Schertz household. Subscriptions for residents and businesses outside the City of Schertz are $19.95 annually. Call 210-619-1630.

#info City of Schertz Elected Ofﬁcials Mayor: Michael Carpenter

Council Members:

(210) 619-1045

Jim Fowler David Scagliola George Antuna, Jr. Cedric Edwards, Sr. Sydney H. Verinder

(210) 658-1442 (830) 606-1130 (210) 627-9297 (210) 566-4540 (210) 204-2750

City of Schertz Animal Control Business/Utilities City Manager City Secretary Civic Center Customer Care/311

(210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1550 (210) 619-1100 (210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1030 (210) 619-1600 (210) 619-1000

City Departments:

City Departments: (cont’d) Economic Development EMS (non-emergency) Fire (non-emergency) Human Resources Information Technology Inspections Marshal Services Municipal Court Parks & Recreation Planning & Zoning Police (non-emergency) Public Affairs Public Library Public Works Records Website

(210) 619-1070 (210) 619-1400 (210) 619-1300 (210) 619-1150 (210) 619-1180 (210) 619-1750 (210) 619-1650 (210) 619-1500 (210) 619-1850 (210) 619-1780 (210) 619-1200 (210) 619-1630 (210) 619-1700 (210) 619-1800 (210) 619-1030 schertz.com

SCHERTZ.COM

Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@schertz. com. NEWS POLICY Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Tales, email us at events@ schertz.com or call us at (210) 619-1630. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron. Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Tales, whether draft or final is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.

OCTOBER 2013 SCHERTZMAGAZINE.COM

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154